8 Reasons We're Happy Cougar Town's Back!

Grab your wine and hide the kids, the cul-de-sac crew is back. After nine months, Cougar Town’s finally returned to the ABC line-up. Unfortunately, its third season’s ratings have been less than stellar. So what gives? Is it the marketing? The schedule change? Cougar Town is one of TV’s best kept secrets and definitely worth a watch. But if you don’t believe the hype, here are eight reasons we’re excited about the show’s return.

1. Love is in the Air

Grayson (Josh Hopkins) and Jules (Courteney Cox) are a match made in sitcom heaven. She’s high-strung, while he’s laid-back. They’re the yin to each other’s yang. That’s why we’ll enjoy watching them plan their upcoming nuptials. It won’t be smooth sailing. It will be a bumpy, hilarious ride filled with hijinks and surprises. TV’s most memorable weddings never go according to plan. And Jules and Grayson’s has the potential for greatness.

2. Big Carl

Big Carl is many things. Some call him an enabler, but we call him a friend. Carl (who was preceded by Big Joe R.I.P) is an unofficial member of the Cougar Town cast. You can’t have a show about functioning alcoholics without this prized prop. Next to Grayson and her son Travis (Dan Byrd), Big Carl is the love of Jules’ (and our) life.

3. Creepy Tom

At first glance, Tom looks like a serial killer. But he’s really a good guy. We’ve become accustomed to his random window visits and lustful stares. Plus, his portrayal by Bob Clendenin is comedic genius. He took a throwaway role and made magic happen. If you don’t believe us, checkout his performance in last season’s “Free Fallin.’” episode. We’ve got two words for you–chalk children.

4. Penny Can

This pick should be self-explanatory. You can’t think of Cougar Town without hearing Bobby (Brian Van Holt), Grayson and Andy’s (Ian Gomez) high-pitched voices shouting, “Penny Can!” Penny Can is almost, if not more popular than Big Carl. Anytime, during any episode, any character can engage in the game. And if you’ve got an empty tin and a handful of copper, so can you!

5. Grayson’s Guitar

If Grayson ever cheated on Jules, it would be with his guitar. He’s in love with that thing. What started off as a mild gag has become a recurring Cougar Town theme. Grayson has a talent for composing catchy tunes that reflect everyday situations. Who can forget “Confident in my Sexuality?” “Family Jules,” or “Jules’ Morning Routine Song?” Welcome back useless, yet melodic music.

6. The Spoofs

Like Community, Cougar Town is great with spoofs. They’ve tackled everything from The Shawshank Redemption, to Children of the Damned, The Usual Suspects, and our personal favorite Spaced. The writers know how to make pop culture references without being heavy-handed or repetitive. And since Community’s M.I.A. this winter, it’s up to Cougar Town to fill the void. They can help us satisfy our parody craving.

7. More Scrubs!

Before Cougar Town, both Cox and Christa Miller (Ellie) appeared on Bill Lawrence’s previous show Scrubs. But they’re not the only ones. Cougar Town’s has had an influx of Scrubs alumni including Ken Jenkins (pictured above), Ted Buckland, Sam Lloyd and Clendenin, who plays the aforementioned Creepy Tom. This season, Scrubs headliners Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Robert “The Todd” Maschio are all confirmed to appear. The boys (and girl) are back in town!

8. Barb

Barb (Carolyn Hennesy) is the horny thorn in Jules’ side. She’s inappropriate and shares too much info about her sex life. Yet each week, we anticipate her appearance. Here’s a prime example of Barb at her best. Barb: “Hey Jules. Hmm, feels good to have a lot of power between your legs, doesn’t it? Motorcycles are good too.” Jules: “Do you just follow me around, waiting to say things?” Yes Jules. Yes she does.